Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."